Statements by Members

Telecommunications

Yesterday's release of the 2018 telecommunications review reinforces the government's strategy to invest in telecommunications to build stronger regional economies and help create jobs. The review put forward 10 recommendations to improve access to telecommunications infrastructure, ensure modern and appropriate consumer protections and promote digital inclusion. I'd like to thank the chair, Sean Edwards, and the committee for visiting Albany and Kalgoorlie in my electorate of O'Connor where access to reliable telecommunications services is vital for business, education and pleasure.

In O'Connor there is a fantastic story to tell regarding telecommunications services, which have improved over the last five years. There are 85 new mobile phone towers, that's one in 10 of our Mobile Black Spot Program, that will be completed by June 2019 and the NBN is now 99 per cent completed across the electorate. Communities such as Kulin, Iluka and Scaddan, which prior to 2013 had no mobile phone coverage and expensive and unreliable internet options, now have access to reliable services for daily operations as well as emergencies.

Recommendations of particular interest in O'Connor are the review of existing data limits for Sky Muster, with the aim of increasing them where possible; auditing the existing copper services in regional areas, including repair times and the impact of mass disruptions and penalties; and the independent measuring of the performance of fixed wireless and satellite NBN services in regional Australia.